Join Dale Jenkins from the Monticello Railroad Museum to discover the history of the Illinois Terminal Railroad!
The traction…the interurban…the terminal, all names so familiar to the citizens of this community that share its unique history. The Illinois Terminal served these communities with a passenger and freight service unsurpassed in service and comfort. This program will introduce you to the history of this railroad’s development, evolution, and contributions to the community. Also, meet Mr. William McKinley who would not only develop a 550-mile traction empire, but serve in the U. S. House of Representatives and U. S. Senate.
A native of Springfield, Illinois, Dale Jenkins grew up across from the main line of the Illinois Terminal (IT), which began his lifelong interest in this railroad. He was a Special Agent with the Illinois Terminal, and after the N&W acquisition of the IT, continued his service in the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police Department. He was co-founder of the Illinois Traction Society, an organization to preserve and present the history of the Illinois Terminal and Illinois Traction Railroad and predecessor companies and serves as president and editor. In 2005, he published a book presenting an extensive history of this railroad, and in 2022 he published Tales of the Terminal, which is a compilation of humorous employee stories. He is also a conductor of the Monticello Railroad Museum and General Superintendent with the Respondek Railroad Corporation, with 55 years of railroad service. He resides in Decatur, Illinois with his love, Pam.
Registration is required to attend this in-person event.
This event is co-sponsored by the Champaign County Genealogical Society.
Conveniently located at the corner of Race and Green in downtown Urbana.
